Holder for welding rods



Sept. 27, 1960 c. MANKousKl 2,954,453

HOLDER FOR WELDING RODS Filed July 1v, 195e 4 4 sheets-sheet 1 59-1 ff s f N mk Sept. 27, 1960 c. MANKoUsKl HOLDER FOR WELDING Rous Filed Ju1y`17, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 27, 1960 c. MANKousKl 2,954,458

HOLDER FOR WELDING RODS Filed July 17, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept- 27, 1960 c. MANKOUSK: 2,954,458

HOLDER FOR WELDING Roos Filed July 17, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /NvE/vToR CM, 17M

OHN P. MURPHY BY J ATTORNEY United States Patent O 2,954,458 HOLDER FoR WELDING Rousl Charles Mankouski, P.O. Box 332, Middleville, N.Y.

Filed Ju1y17, 195s, ser. No. 750,846 16 claims. (C1. ,21a-,138)

This invention relates to electric arc welding, and more particularly to improvements in welding rod holders. This invention is a continuation-impart Vof my applications Serial Numbers 247,163 tiled September 18, 1951, 594,599, filed lune 28, 1956; 678,674, filed August 16, 1957; and 678,675, tiled August '16, 1957, for holders for welding rods, now all abandoned.

Several forms of welding rod holders have been presented in the past. However, certain disadvantages have become apparent during the operation of the diiferent types. Among the disadvantages is the problem of overheating of the welding rod holder, which is a fault in design. Another disadvantage'is the lack of adjustment means providing for the changing of the `angle of the welding rod to the work. Under certain conditions, inaccessibility of the work requires special bending of the welding rod which constitutes a loss in time, 'danger to the operator, and a waste of welding rods. Yet another disadvantage inherent in many types of holders `is the fatigue caused to the operator over` long periods of operation. This yis, due to weight, and most important lack of proper design and convenience features. A further disadvantage of previous types of welding rod holders is that loss of usage of the holder, and loss of operator time is frequently the result of parts of the holder becoming worn out or burned out. This necessitates costly replacement of component parts of the holders.

It is therefore a prime object of the present invention to provide a welding rod holder having a forward head assembly that is provided with means` to vary the angle of the welding rod in two independent ways.

Another object of this invention is -to provide a well insulated welding rod holder that also provides for the restriction of the heat conducting and current conducting members to a minimum number, thus maintaining the holder at a comfortable, cool temperature during long periods of operation.

Another object of this invention `is to provide a holder that provides for the connecting of the current conducting cable in a manner so as to prevent damage to the cable and at the same time be convenient to the operator, thus avoiding fatigue during long periods of operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide for the replacement of component parts or renewal of parts of the holder at a minimum of time and expense.

A still further object is to extend the life of a holder ,for electrodes beyond the normally expected life `of previous types.

In carrying out the objects of the invention, there is provided a holder for electrodes consisting of ahead assembly for holding the/electrode, a handle, a hinge -joint for connecting the head assembly with the handle, the head being adapted to tilt with respect to the handle, and means for .connecting an electric cable tothe head assembly whereby the cable travels past the hinge joint, means for varying lthe angle of the welding rod with vrespect to the work, ,and means providing vforfthe replacement of renewal of parts of theholder.

2,954,458 Patented Sept. 27, 1960 In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a s ide view of one modiiication of the invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a vsectional View taken 'along line 3 3 in Fig. l.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4 4 in Fig. 1.

Figure 5 is la transverse section ytaken along the line 5 5 in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a plan view-of another embodiment of the invention. Y

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the invention in part.

Figure 8 'is a `sectional View taken along the line 8 8 in Figure 6.

Figure 9 isa lsectional view taken along the line 9 9 in Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10 10 in Figure 6.

Figure 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the further embodiment, taken from either the top or bottom thereof.

Figure 13 isa longitudinal sectional View of the embodiment.

Figure 1.4 is a sectional view taken along line 14--14 in Figure 12.

Figure l5 is a sectional view taken along line 15 15 inFigure 12.

Figure 16 is a side elevational view of a modified portion of the embodiment according to Figure 11.

Figure 17 is a Ktop or bottom plan view of a modiiicaltion of the invention.

Figure l18 is a Asectional view takenalong line 18-18 in Figure 17.

VFigure 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19 19 `in Figure 17.

Figure 20 is `a longit-udinal sectional .view of the invention, in part, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 17.

Several embodiments are illustrated in the drawings.

First, .the modiication .as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will 'be discussed.

Referring in detail to the drawing, vthere is shown a welding .rod holder havinga gripping handle 6, which ymay be hollow or tubular in form, a tubular one being shown. A. slotted opening 7 forms two sides in the form )of at yokelike extensions, to provide space `for the free movement .of a welding cable normally placed therein, as will appear. The extensions have increased thickness portions 8, for more .positive insulation, and have recesses 11 formed therein.

The forward end of the welding rod holder has metallic side plates 16 extending backwardly to the extensions of the gripping handle 6. A hinge joint is formed connecting the plates 16 and the handle 6. Metallic disc plates 9 ar riveted, or preferably molded in place securely in the recess 11, rivets 10 being shown. The disc plates 9 have a means for accommodating a threaded stud 12 which is not permitted ,torotate on the disc plates 9, due to tension adjusting reasons, as will appear. The studs 12 may be therefore press-fitted, welded, or even made an integral part of the disc plates 9 for this reason. The stud 12 is provided with a shaft section projecting outward through the center of the disc plate 9, and is provided with a portion .of reduced diameter, and is threaded as at 13 to engage self locking nuts 1.4, which are arranged to control the adjustment of tension of the vhinge joint. This control .of tension is accomplished by the use of spring washers, which may bein the form of cupped metal spring washers 15, that operate and rotateon the reduced diameter portion of self locking nut 14, and under a portion of the self locking nut 14, for reasons of alignment and centering. The cupped metallic spring washer is interposed between self locking nut 14 and metallic side plate 16, which plates 16 are mounted to rotate on shaft portions of the studs 12, and in operation form the hinge joint. Thus it is seen that the adjustable self locking nuts form means to adjust so as to increase or decrease the tension applied on the hinge joint. The gripping handle 6, and associated assembly of parts 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 comprises the first hinge portion, and the metallic side plates 16, interposed between the washer 15 and nut 14, forms the second portion of the hinge joint.

The metallic side plates are arranged substantially parallel and are provided with drilled or stamped cooling and lightening holes 18 therein, which are positioned forward of the hinge joint. Also formed forward of the hinge joint are mounting holes 19, and threaded holes 20. The threaded holes 20 may be formed at an increased thickness portion, or may be formed by threaded washers secured to the plates 16.

A metallic current conducting body is positioned between the metallic side plates 16. Cylindrical insulation blocks 22 have a reduced diameter portion 23 which is iitted into hole 24 in the body 25 for mounting the body 25 between the side plates 16. Machine screws 21 are arranged transversely through the side plates 16 and to mount the insulation blocks 22 for fastening them to the plates 16. The insulation blocks 22 also serve to align, space, and insulate the side plates from the body 25.

The forward insulation blocks 26 are shaped differently with respect to blocks 22 to insure greater insulation than the rear blocks 22. The main difference in shaping being in the spacing portion which is larger and extends forwardly past the side plates 16 at an angle (here shown as 45) and is substantially flush with the bottom to provide more insulation protection due to being closer to the welding arc during operation of the holder.

The current conducting body 25 may be formed of lightweight formed or diecast material such as aluminum,

or any other efficient conductor of electricity. The body 25 is provided to accommodate a welding current cable by means of hole or bore 27 formed therein, and is provided with' a set screw or screws 28 threadably secured in the body 25 to retain the end of a welding cable therein. A plate 29 may be interposed between the screws 28 and the welding cable or conductor 30 to aid in clamping the cable in the bore 27.

The forward portion of the current conducting body 25 is provided with a recess 31, forming Ia chamber for accommodating a double-ended Welding rod jaw 32, which is preferably formed of a copper alloy or the like for maximum conductivity and long wear. The jaw is arranged so as to be angular at each of its ends. The angleis shown herein as being substantially 45, and each groove 33 at the ends of the jaw is formed along the angular portion. However, the angle itself is not critical, and may be more or less than the angle shown. The rod receiving groove 33 may be any V-shapedgroove of con- Venient size as to permit the placing of an electrode or welding rod therein. A large opening 34 is formed in the jaw 32 to provide clearance for the screw 21, and prevent current contact with the screw 21. side plates 16 is thus preserved. A machine screw 36 and washer 37 operate through longitudinal slot 38 on theA body 25 to permit the -adjusting of the jaw 32 forwardly and backwardly to compensate for wear. It will become obvious that the jaw 32 and V-groove 33 may in this manner be renewed at both ends when worn, to provide a jaw 32 of double life. The rod gripping jaw 32 is also threaded as at 39 to accommodate screw 40, operating in hole and recess `41 in base insulation block 42. Another insulation block 43 is secured by machine screws 44 in threaded holes 45 in the underside of current conducting body 25. The blocks serve to protect and insulate Insulation of the `block 60 therein.

the base portion. n additional feature of the screws 44 operating in recess `46 and holes is to provide for enabling the operator to tighten or secure the welding cable set screws 28 without removing the base insulation 43.

An upwardly extended portion of the side plates 16 houses a welding rod clamping handle 49 by providing a mounting means for ashaft 48 which is fitted transversely through the metallic side plates 16 and through spacing and bearing collars 50 that are fastened to the rod clamping handle 49. The collars 50` act as spacers and provide bearing area to operate on shaft v48 when the shaft is fitted through the handle 49. The shaft 48 may be peened at its ends to prevent its being moved out ofthe plates 16. -The handle 49 is thus pivotally mounted on side plates 16, or may be described as being hingedly mounted by means of the hinge shaft 48. The handle 49 is :arranged longitudinally, and extended over and within the forward portion, and also beyond the current conducting body 25. The clamping handle 49 also has lightening and cooling holes 49A. A channel shaped underside portion is formed from beyond the hinge shaft portion at 48 toward the back end. A formed projection 52 is formed to retain a compression spring 53, which is adapted to exert force between the underside of the rod clamping handle 49 and the recess 54 of the spring insulation part 55 which is arranged on the top and rear portion of the current conducting metallic body 25. Spring force keeps the spring insulation 55 in place in hole 57. The spring force outwardly against the end of the clamping handle 49 in turn exerts an inward movement of the forward end of the handle 49 against the rod gripping jaw 32.

A forward portion 61 of the handle 49 is dovetailed, and receives and holds a dovetailed shaped insulation A pressed out section of metal 58, leaving hole 59 acts as a stop for the insulation block 6). The block 60 is provided with a tapered conical stud 62 riveted in the recess 63 of the insulation block 60. The block and stud provide means for applying pressure against a rod placed in the V groove 33 of the gripping jaw 32. The stud 62, being embedded in the insulation block 60, prevents `any cuirent from traveling to the clamping handle 49.

A rod stop 64 is formed on the top portion of the current conducting body 25, and prevents the operator from pushing a rod too far into the groove 33 so `as to strike the insulated parts of the holder.

In operating the welding rod holder, the operator grasps the holder in one hand. Thumb pressure applied down wardly on the rod clamping handle 49 will move the stud 62 away from the groove 33 in the jaw 32, permitting the operator to place a welding rod in the V groove 33. The thumb pressure is released, and the spring 53 exerts force to close the stud 62 against the rod located in the V groove 33 to hold the rod securely therein. Current will then pass from the cable through the body 25, jaw 32 to the rod therein. When it is desired to hold the welding rod at an angle different than the angle at any time, it is necessary only to tilt the forward rod receiving hinged head assembly up or down. The head assembly will rotate on the studs 12 to tilt either side of the handle. The cupped spring or the like washers 15 provide means to exert tension on the hinge joint against the washers, which tension must be adjusted to the degree Where thumb pressure on the handle 49 will not vary the angle of the head assembly by leverage. As the head is tilted up or down, any set angle will remain set due to friction by the pre-adjustable tensioned hinge joint, which maintains its proper friction during consistent use ofthe holder.

It is seen that the current conducting body 25 and the jaw 32 are the only welding current conducting means in the holder for electrodes. It is further seen that the welding cable travels through the handle, past the hinge joint, and i-s attached to the forward hinged head assembly. amage to the welding cable due :to excessive bending when changing the angle of the vhead assembly is thus reduced to va minimum. Maximum cooling of the holder is afforded by the .cooling .holes in the side plates Iand rod .clamping handle, and for the reason that the current conducting body is .insulatedfrom and suspended between the -side pla-tes. It -will yalso :become obvious that cooling Vis aforded inasmuch as the cable is ,connected directly to the head raSsem-hly, thus ipreventingany conductivity of heat `to `the handle i6 vof .the holder.

Another modification :of fthe holder ,for electrodes is shown in detail in .Figures .6 v,to y10 inclusive. In this modification, :a ,gripping .handle Z110 has :one of :its ends provided with a pair of parallel arrangedextension plates 111, which may be formed lfrom :stamped steel :or the like, and provided with:coolingrholes 1.12. The Iplates 111 are attached to the .handle .by means of iscrews 1;13 or may .also -be attached by means .of.rivets. The sides of the plates 1'11.ar.e formed so as to have a flat appear ance, and are also provided with /reamed' holes V114.for mounting the :hinge joint.

The forward hinge portion vof `this embodiment iconiprises the parallel arranged metallichousing plates 115, which are provided with openings A11.6 for lightening and cooling. A formed portion '117 serves asa guard for the base of the holder. The rearward rounded ends of the plates 115 have formed -therein reamed holes 118, .and the rounded ends overlap adjacent `the extension vplates 111. A flanged axle 11-9 .-is provided `and has a hollow portion 120. The axle 119 passes through the holes .114 and A118, mounting the .plates 111.and 115 together, and forming the parallel :hinge joint. VCupped spring washers 122 are arranged to mount on the outer sides of the hinge joint. Theends of the axle -119 ,are peened over as at 121 to form a flange overthe .cuppedspring washers 122 for-compressing thewashers to `any desired:tension. The tension maybe increased by .additional peening of the ends 121 ofthe axles 119. lAny expansion or contraction of the components `of the hinge joint .during welding operation will be compensated for .by the spring washer 122 at each side of the joint, providing a constant spring tension on the double hinge joint.

The parallel arranged housing-plates 115 form a housingto `contain flexible insulationlstrips 5124,:which may be required only during unusual `and-extreme welding conditions as asafety factor Ytoprevent shorts .that could loccur from excessive welding spatter. VA current conducting metallic body 128 is suspended .or mounted on insulation' bushings 1.25 arrangedinitherecessed holes 126 of the body 128, and through which bolts 123 are adapted to beiengaged. Smallerholes127 extendthrough-the body 128 and join with the larger holes 126 as recesses for insulation for the bolts ,123 which mount and clamp securely'the lbody 12,8 betweenthe housing plates 115.

The current conducting .body l28.comprises the means foraccommodatingat an angle, and in a recess, a doublewearing, reversible, triangular headed ja-W129. The jaw 129 is provided witha Vv groove 130 on two of its angles. The jaw `129 isfurthercharacterized in that it is mounted at an anglein .the^recess, .due to the recessbeing formed angularlyinthe conducting-'body 128. With the jaw 129 mounted inthe body 128,:.one groove'130 is adapted to receive a welding rod 131as illustrated in Figure 7, while the other V groove..supportsarodflimit.distance stop 133 which is secured lto the jaw F129 byfmeans of a bolt 132 which is threadably Vsecuredin-the :jawmember 129. It is seen that the groove 130 which is shown in the operating .position may become worn-out or burned, so that the groove Vand jaw would ,require rreplacement. The reversible `triangular v.jaw T129 is ,removably secured in .the inclined recess .134 by ,means of screws 135 arranged transversely thronghthe ,body 128 and the jaw 129 by means of .thethreadedtportion 139. ,It is.only.necessary to remove thescrews 135, .removethejaw -129 from the recess134, and reverse.theposition-ofthe jaw to place the new groove in operating position when replacing the jaw in the recess 134. It vis understood that the rod stop 133 would be re-positioned in the groove other than the one in which it was fastened prior to reversing the jaw 129.

The curr-,ent conducting metallic body is provided with a bore 136 formed angularly in, and located in the rear central portion; and is provided with a large communicating set :screw i137. The diameter of the set screw 137 may be substantially equivalent .to the diameter of the bore 136 to provide vample .clamping -ofa welding cable placed in the bore 13,6. The-cable r140 .enters .the bore .So that the cable -end lies .at an angle'to the longitudinal .direction `for axis .of .the head assembly,fand.is clamped by tightening the yset screw `13 7 against the cable 140 on threads 138.

Thewelding cable may be attached and-detached with* out necessitating .removal :of any .parts of the holder due to the provision that a wrench for the set screw may be inserted through one of the Vlightening and cooling holes provided Yin the welding rod clamping handle.

The clamping `handle `141 is hingedly mounted on a shaft vpin 143 .engaged in a sectionof the housing plates 115. Bushings 156 provide spacing and bearing means for the handle 141 `to rotate 4on :the shaft pin 143. The pin 143 is peened over at its .ends to form flanged ends 144 foraretaining the pin in position.

'I'he clamping handle .141 is ypreferably made of stamped steel and formed ina curve, having a channelshaped cross section. Openings 142 .are provided for lightening .andcooling Projection 145 provides for retaining the compression spring 146, which is held at one end in recess 147 in a spring retaining insulation part 148, the reduced diameter yportion 149 of which is engaged and seated in ahole 150. The spring provides for the handle to exert an inward clamping force at the forward end thereof for holding a welding rod 131 in the jaw groove 130. As in the-previous embodiment, a dovetailed block 153 is held in the portion 151 of the handle 141 by `means of the section 152, and holds the rivet 154 which operates into the groove 130 for holding a welding rod 131 therein.

The operation of this embodiment of the holder is substantially the same as for the Apreviously discussed ernbodiment. The feature of this holder will be appreciated in the angular disposition of the cable with respect to the current conducting body 128. vIt is seen that if the operator tilts ythe head upwardly, the bend thus produced in the portion of the `cable between the hinge joint will only be a slight increase in the bend already formed in the ,cable as it enters the head in bore 136. Should the operator tilt the head downwardly, the bend in the cabie will be decreased, until the cable lies substantially straight. It has been a problem of Welders that consistent bending of the cable back and forth will ultimately result in damage to the cable in the form of a fracture, either of the conducting wires in the cable, or ofthe insulation. Should the insulation become damaged, the cable then presents a hazard to the operator. Should the wires become par* tially broken, all of the current flowing through the cable will be forced to be passed through less than all of the wires therein, resulting in a large degree of resistance heat generated at or near lthe break. Such a condition is both dangerous and uncomfortable to the operator of the holder. The feature of the cable entering the head at an angle minimizes to the greatest extent the hazards that can develop as a result of vdamage to the cable.

A further modification of the hinge joint (not shown) provides for the placement of a stop projection at the hinge joint to prevent the operator from bendingthe head upwardly with respect to the handle. In many cases of production welding, the major portion of the work can be performed with the head in the position shown in the drawings, or tilted downwardly with respect to the handle. In this instance, the cable .would -be caused to `he straightened out as the head is tilted, thus reducing the chance for damage to occur to the cable.

As a result of the constant frictional tension of the hinge joint, the angle of the welding rod to the work may be changed at any time during welding by the operator, merely by pressing against the work with the welding rod, resulting in the frictional tension at the hinge joint being overcome so as to change the angle of the head. It will also be seen that, in this modification, the cable, the current conducting body 128, and the jaw are the only portions of the holder that are adapted to carry welding current, the other portions of the holder being completely insulated from the current. The reversible jaw provides for renewal thereof, and also for replacement thereof when both grooves eventually become worn.

Yet another embodiment of the invention resides in the construction as illustrated in Figures 1l to 16, inclusive.

As therein shown, the appearance of the holder for electrodes is slightly altered with respect to the two embodiments shown and described hereinabove. It will be seen that in the foregoing embodiments, the welding rod clamping handle appears as being on the top of the holder, Figures l and 6 illustrating the side view of the previously discussed embodiments. In the embodiment now to be described, Figure 1l illustrates a side view, the rod clamping handle being on the side of the holder not shown. In Figure 12, the holder is illustrated in plan, and in section. It is then apparent that the handle for clamping the electrode is on the side of the holder in this modification.

The tubular gripping handle 210 is similar to that shown in Figure 6, and is also provided with a pair of parallel extension plates 211 which have lightening and cooling holes 212. The plates 211 may be secured to the handle 210 by means of screws 213 or the like. Reamed holes 214 are provided for the hinge joint.

The forward hinge portion is constructed by a pair of parallel arranged housing plates, 215 and 216, each having cooling and lightening holes 218. Reamed holes 219 are provided for the hinge joint. The hinge joint is constructed in a manner similar to the joint described for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, and is characterized by having a hanged axle 220 having a hollow portion 221 therethrough. The axle 220 passes through the reamed holes 214 on the extension plates 211 and through the reamed holes 219 on the metallic plates 215 or 216, mounting them and hinging them together to make the hinge portion for each side. It is thus seen that the hinge joint actually comprises two point sections, one on each plate 215 and 216, leaving a space therebetween for the free movement of a current conducting cable 248. The cupped spring washers 222 mount on the outer sides of the housing plates 215 and 216; and the flanged axles 229 are peened over to provide a flange over the washers 222 and frictionally tension the washers and thus provide a constant spring tension on the double hinge joint. The housing plates 215 and 216 serve as a guard for protecting the entire forward hinged portion of the electrode holder.

Insulation strips 225 are contained within the housing formed by the plates 215 and 216. A metallic current conducting body 227 is provided within the housing, and is insulated by the strips 225 and 224. The body 227 is preferably formed from a current conducting material such as copper alloy or die cast aluminum. The body 227 is mounted by means of bolts 231 placed through transversely formed holes 230; and insulation therefor is provided in the form of insulation sleeves 232 inserted into the holes 230. In this manner, the plates 215, 216, and the current conducting body are fastened together, and are insulated from each other. The body is provided with a bore 228 for receiving and connecting therein a weldingcable 248. A set screw 255 is threadably received as at portion 256 for clamping the welding cable 248 in the bore 228.

Additional insulation parts 233 are provided forl inl sulating the top and bottom exposed portions of the current conducting body 227 and are similar in shape and form for the top or bottom. These parts 233 are secured as by screws 234. The parts 233 may be used in certain applications, but are not required except where excess welding spatter may occur during certain applications.

A rotatable welding rod jaw 237 is mounted to the body 227 by means of a tapered conical opening 236 provided in the jaw mounting section 235. The rotatable jaw 237 is preferably made of a copper alloy and has a corresponding tapered section 238 to seat into the opening 236. The jaw 237 is retained in place with spring tension means provided by a cupped spring 239 that is also retained in place by the peened-over flange portion 240 to provide a constant spring pressure. This spring pressure or tension on the rotatable jaw 237 is great enough to prevent welding current resistance heat to develop at the point of rotation, yet provides a means whereby the jaw will rotate with tension sufficient for its operation. Two or more deep V grooves 241 and 242 may be provided for holding an electrode.

A welding rod clamping handle 243 is mounted on a pivot pin 244 which is arranged on a formed bracket 245. The pivot pin 244 is peened at its ends 246 to prevent its becoming displaced from the bracket. In this manner the handle 243 is hingedly mounted on the holder.

A formed projection 247 is provided in the handle 243 to retain Ia compression spring 250 which exerts a force on the handle for retaining a welding rod in place. The cupped spring washer 222 retains the lower end or inner end of the spring 250 against being dislodged.

A dovetailed shaped insulation block 253 is held at portion 251 of the handle 243 and is retained in position by a pressed out section 252. A spherical shaped -rivet or lthe like 254 is embedded in the block 253 in a manner to insulate the handle from the rivet and permit the rivet to bear against a welding rod placed in one of the V grooves.

To operate the holder, the operator grasps the tubular handle 210 with one hand in such a manner so as to squeeze the clamping handle 243 toward the handle 210, which forces the rivet 254 away from the groove 241 or 242;. The operator then places a welding rod (not shown) in either groove 241 or 242 with the other hand. By releasing the clamping handle 243, the rivet 254 is brought to bear against the welding rod in the groove Idue to the force exerted by the spring 250 to retain the welding rod in the jaw.

When it is desired to change or vary the angle of the welding rod to the work, it is only necessary to tilt the forwardly arranged head assembly up or down on the hinge joint, any set angle being maintained by the ten* sioned hinge joint. It is also possible to vary the angle of the welding rod other than the adjustment made by the rod receiving and clamping hinged head assembly. Where a compound angular adjustment is desired, it is only necessary to adjust the rod by rotating the jaw 237. This isv done by pushing sidewardly against the rod in any convenient manner. It is -therefore seen that two independent means are provided for changing the angle of the welding rod to obviate the need for bending welding rods for the same result, with the resultant waste of rods.

The current conducting metallic body 227, the rotatable jaw 237 thereon, Iand the rivet 254 are the only p-arts that come into contact with electric current, thus completely insulating the rest of the holder from the current. It is also apparent that air freely circulates `about the welding cable -at all times, thus cooling the cable, and lmaintaining the handle at a cool temperature.

Figures 17 to 20 illustrate a further embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, the handle 243, which s;.pivotally.mounted at 244, `does 4not extend as an inteygral part to -the forward end of the holder. A rigid and preferably a spring tempered metallic extension 265 is fastened to-handle 2'43 as by rivets 266, or other suitable means, and has a bifurcated `forward end 265A in the formofa yoke-like extension. The tubular handle 210, extension plates 211, and side plates 215 and 216 are similar-tothe elementsdescribed for Figures ll to 15. The Clamping vhandle 243 is urged into rod-clamping position by means of the spring 250. An upper jaw insulator 271 comprises an upper part 267 and lower part 268, and is 'slidably mounted on .the vvextension 265A of handleextension 265. The upper jaw 269 may be formed from-copper or steel alloy, orthe like, andis held securely by one or more screws orthe like 264. The insulator271 may be molded from 4a high-temperature resistant plastic or otherinsulating material. The-corresponding inner or facing sides Y27() :of vfthe insulatorparts 267 and 268 are .formed as grooves ortheflike-to fitthe bifurcated yoke 265A. Theinsulator 271 and jaw 269 .are received over the yoke v265A and are .held thereon by tightening the `screw or'screws264 `so-as 1toinsulate the yoke 265A from the current-contacting jaw 269.

It ispossible to -renew or replace -the upper Vjaw 269 merely by-loosening the screw .264. The parts 267 and 268are released from engagement with the yoke 265A, permitting -the operator to slide the insulator 271 and jaw 269 therefrom. The insulator 271 :and jaw 269 are replaced-.by sliding them as a urn't onto the yoke 265A and.tighteningthe screw 2'64 to clamp the parts 267 and 268 securely in-place'on the yoke V265A. The yoke 265A forms means forinsulating .the handle 243 from the current .by the reason ythat the screw :264 passes between the arms A'of the gyoke, `and .does `not contact any portion of the upper handle.`

.The current conducting "body i227 .is va -modied form of-the body according to Figures 11 to 15, and is illustr-ated separately in Figure 16. It is seen that the body is provided with the-forward portion `or jaw portionj235. The rod receiving; grooves 241 are formed in`botl1 sides ofthe portion 235. With the body 227 yin position in the holder, xas lshown-in Figure 17, it Yis seen rthat the u pper jaw 'engages in one set of grooves 2'41, forming means for holding 4a welding rod or electrode (not shown) in any one of several angles, due to the angular disposition fof -theygrooves VIt will also become obvious that angular adjustment -of the forward'hinged head assembly offtheholder, sas at ythe-hinge joint, provides for `a compound adjustment of the angle of the electrode to the wo`r=kfby forming an yangular adjustment of the head assembly as well as lan. angular disposition of the electrode held at the jaws 235 andy2'69. When at any time the grooves facing the upper. jaw 269 lmay become worn out or burned tothe extent that itis no longer practical to use them forfholdin-g an'electrodeyt-he cable clamping screw 255is'loosened to permit removal of the current conducting cable 248 from the cable receiving bore 228. Screws `231 are then removed from the Vsides plates 215 and 216, and from the body 227. The body is removed from the position between the side plates, and is inverted,replaced in,l position between the side plates, and the screws,.231 are tightenedbaok `in position. A new Set-of grooves are then in positionto be engaged by the upper jaw 269 for receiving -and holding a welding rod orelectrode. The cable 248 is then placed in the bore 22S-wand isfheld by the screw 25S tightened thereagainst.

It will become obvious to those skilled in the art that this modification of a holder for electrodes provides for the renewal or replacement of components quickly, easily, and inexpensively, by the simple removal of the part to be renewed without necessitating the disassembly of other parts of the holder. The entire `amount of current is conducted by a single member of the holder, which is Afully insulated from other parts of the holder. I have 1&0 therefore `constructed a holder for electrodes wherein `a single member ofthe holder is a currentconducting member from the cable to the welding rod, and wherein there is provided means kfor renewal of such parts or portions of the holder which are subject to wear and burning.

In the several embodiments of an `electrode holder, I have constructed a holder for electrodes wherein the cable enters the head assembly after passing through the handle, past the hinge joint, and 'thence to be clamped securely in place `inthe head. I have also provided for the changing of the angleof the electrode with respect to the work in a compound manner, wherein the forward .hinged head assembly is adapted to be tilted with respect-to the handle, and wherein the electrode may be held in one of several `angular positions with respect to fthe electrode clamping jaw. I yhave also provided for the renewal -of portions of the holder without the need for disassembly of the holder otherA than the portions being renewed. .In `each embodiment, the current conducting body and the upperjaw are the portions that conduct current-or otherwise come into contact with the current. Other portions V.of the holder are completely insulated from'the current conducting portions, and the entire holder .--isiconstrueted in ,a manner whereby maximum cooling is achieved `through the use of air spaces through which `,cooling air circulates during use of the holder. .Damage to lthecable due to the bending thereof is minimized by 'the unique manner in which the cable is connected to the currentconducting portions of the holder. The cable passes through ythe handle, past the hinge joint, and is clamped at the head assembly. A construction at ythe hinge joint permits the free movement of the cable thereat, and a modiication of the holder provides-for clamping the cable to the head angularly to minimize the bending of the-cable during the use -of the iholder.

Itis to be understood-thatthe invention is notto be limitedito the precise forms shown and described herein, b ut only fas fairly falls within the scope vof the appended claims.

VI- claim:

l. In an electrode holder vhaving a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode, and a handle, said rod gripping head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle ata hingejoint, said rod gripping head assembly being adapted totilt, said handle being hollow, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said gripping handle and past said hingerjoint and being fastened to said head assembly.

2. Inan electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode and a handle, said rod gripping head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said handle being a tubular handle, said rod gripping head assembly being adapted to tilt, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said grippinghandle and past said hingev joint and being fastened -to said headassembly.

`3. /In .an electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode and a handle, said rod gripping 'head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said handle being -a tubularrhandle,sai'd rod gripping head assembly being adapted to tilt to either side of said gripping handle, said head assembly being adapted Ito clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cablepassing through said` gripping handle and past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly.

4. In an electrode holder according to claim 1, said hinge joint being a spring tensioned hinge joint having friction discs and spring washers on shafts, said gripping handle being partially slotted having parallel portions extending therefrom, said rod gripping head having parallel side plates extending therefrom, said shafts passing through said side plates and through said portions, said spring washers being interposed between said side plates and a nut engaged on said shafts for forming said hinge joint, whereby said rod gripping head is adapted toV be rotated on said studs up or down from said gripping handle.

5. In an electrode holder according to claim 3, said hinge joint being a cupped spring tensioned double hinge joint having metallic friction discs and cupped metallic spring washers on stud shafts, said gripping handle being tubular and partially slotted having parallel metallic portions extending therefrom, said rod gripping head having parallel metallic side plates extending therefrom, said stud shafts passing through said metallic side plates and through said metallic portions, said cupped spring washers being interposed between said side plates and a nut threadably engaged on said stud shafts for forming said tensioned double hinge joint, said nuts being adapted to be tightened for adjusting tension on said joint, whereby said rod gripping head is adapted to be rotated on said studs up or down from said gripping handle.

6. In an electrode holder having an electrode clamping head, a slotted handle having extension plates hinged to said electrode clamping head at a hinge joint, said electrode clamping head having a clamping means for directly engaging an electrical conductor cable extending through said handle and past said hinge joint.

7. In an electrode holder according to claim 6, said electrode clamping head being completely insulated from said extension plates and having an air space therebetween, said conductor cable being connected only to said electrode clamping head whereby all other parts being insulated from said head, said holder is adapted to operate in a cool manner.

8. An electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode, and a handle, said rod gripping head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said rod gripping head assembly being adapted to tilt with respect to said handle, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said gripping handle and past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly, said cable entering said head assembly at an angle.

9. An electrode holder according to claim 8, a recess formed angularly in said head assembly, a jaw member having at least one rod receiving groove formed therein removably secured in said recess, whereby said jaw member is adapted to be reversed in said recess.

10. An electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode, and a handle, said rod gripping head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said rod gripping head assembly being adapted to tilt with respect to said handle, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said gripping handle and past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly, a recess formed angularly in said head assembly, a jaw member having at least one rod receiving groove formed therein and being removably secured in said recess, whereby said jaw member is adapted to be reversed in said recess.

11. An electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode, and a handle, said rod gripping head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said rod gripping head assembly being adapted to tilt, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said gripping handle and past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly, a current conducting body in said head assembly, a rotatable jaw member mounted on said current conducting body, means providing spring tension on said rotatable jaw member, whereby said jaw member is adapted to be rotated against the urging of said spring tension means.

12. An electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode, and a handle, said rod gripping head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said rod gripping head assembly being adapted to tilt, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said gripping handle and past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly, a current conducting body in said head assembly, a jaw portion extending from said current conducting body, rod receiving grooves formed on more than one'side of said jaw portion, whereby said current conducting body is adapted to be changed with respect to position in said head assembly for renewing said jaw portion.

13. In an electrode holder including a gripping handle, a rod gripping head assembly, and a rod clamping handie; a jaw insulator comprising an upper part and a lower part, an extension on one end of said clamping handle, a jaw fastened to said insulator, said insulator and jaw thereon being slidably fastened to said extension, and means for securely fastening said insulator and said jaw on said extension.

14. In an electrode holder including a gripping handle, a rod gripping head assembly, and a rod clamping handle; an extension on one end of said clamping handle, said extension having a yoke formed therein, an insulator comprising an upper part and a lower part, the corresponding sides of each said part being formed to iit said yoke, a jaw fastened to said insulator, said insulator and said jaw being received on said yoke, and means for releasably securing said insulator and said jaw on said yoke.

15. An electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly for holding an electrode, and a handle; said head assembly being attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said head assembly being adapted to tilt, said head assembly being adapted to clamp an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly.

16. An electrode holder having a rod gripping head assembly and a handle; said head assembly being hingedly attached to said handle at a hinge joint, said handle being hollow, said head assembly being adapted to receive an electrical conductor cable, said cable passing through said handle, past said hinge joint and being fastened to said head assembly.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,301,347 Williams Apr. 22, 1919 1,313,572 Baker et al Aug. 19, 1919 2,174,809 Varner Oct. 3, 1939 2,243,368 Aiken May 27, 1941 2,350,426 Thompson lune 6, 1944 2,371,649 Radabaugh Mar. 20, 1945 2,373,605 Shellabarger Apr. 10, 1945 2,402,535 Cushman Iune 25, 1946 2,411,652 Garibay Nov. 26, 1946 2,412,492 Brazitis Dec. 10, 1946 2,455,108 Beauregard Nov. 30, 1948 

